Police: Man in stolen car arrested after pursuit through Allentown

Manuel Gamiz Jr., Of The Morning Call

A 21-year-old man in a stolen car led Allentown police on a pursuit through the city, running several stop signs and traffic lights, police said.

Lance Walker, with no current address, stopped the car in the 100 block of South Church Street and tried to run but was arrested by officer Stephen James, police said. James also arrested a passenger who had a backpack containing several packets of synthetic marijuana, police Capt. Bill Reinik said.

James was on patrol at 11:16 p.m. Monday when he spotted a car reported stolen in Bern Township, Reinik said. The officer tried to stop the car and Walker started to pull over in the 100 block of North Jefferson Street, but instead turned off the lights and fled, Reinik said.

Walker ran two stop signs, went the wrong way on Jackson Street and ran two red lights during the pursuit, Reinik said. Walker and his passenger ditched the car in the 100 block of South Church Street and it rolled back and hit the police cruiser, he said.

James was able to catch the passenger, Julian Cruz, 27, of Allentown. He then caught up to Walker in the 100 block of South Seventh Street, Reinik said. Walker resisted but was eventually arrested when other officers arrived.

Walker was charged with theft, receiving stolen property, resisting arrest, fleeing or attempting to elude police and several traffic violations. Cruz was charged with possession of a controlled substance after a backpack containing 17 packets of synthetic marijuana was found on the passenger seat, Reinik said.

Both were arraigned by District Judge Ron Manescu and sent to Lehigh County Jail, Walker under $35,000 bail and Cruz under $5,000 bail.